Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Ford F-350 SD owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford f-350 SD. The contact stated that several failures occurred with the vehicle regarding the engine and electrical computer. The vehicle was taken to shamaley Ford (11301 gateway blvd w, el paso, tx 79936) where the turbo, glow plugs, head gaskets, and the computer were replaced. Despite the repairs, the vehicle failed to start-up after multiple attempts. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Ford f-350 SD. While driving 35 MPH, the contact noticed a large amount of blue smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was previously serviced for the failure, but it still persists. Prior to the failure, he noticed that the vehicle would drive very sluggish. The current mileage was 27,853 and failure mileage was 16,000.
Purchased this vehicle less than a year ago and was originally very pleased. Suddenly we are now experiencing the death wobble as other have described. The violent shaking of the front end. This usually occurs when you are approaching the speed of 60mph. We do not have to hit a bump for it to happen. The other complaint, is that we bought this truck with very low mileage for the year, ran great, looked great, very pleased until this last month when the check engine light came on and it seems to sputter. Put some high quality fuel injector cleaner in the truck, thinking it May be a injector sticking. Nope, didn't fix the problem. Light never went off. Took it to a dealership, they tested it and came back with your fuel tank is deteriorating putting little metal shards in your engine. You are looking at a potential full engine rebuild costing a minimum of $6000. …
I had a 05 Ford super duty 6.0 liter diesel that had 3 new turbo's put on due to skoring. Ford replaced all 3. When turbo's go out you loose power. I have a 06 super duty that has 26828 miles. The warranty just went out 6/16/11. Ford had to put on another turbo because it was skored. Ford did pay $750 and I had to pay $1142. I was going down highway and lost power and had to limp home pulling a 5th wheel camper. I have read where Ford has had a lot of problems with the 6.0 liter diesel engine. I am upset that Ford that Ford did not cover this problem fully because of all problems they have had with the engine. The property damage below was just to the turbo itself. I am wondering if you as an agency have had other complaints like this and to see if their are any recalls or are going to be any recalls on this problem. …
On 2006 Ford f350 vehicle with 6.0 diesel , the EGR coolers have defect that cause them to leak. After reading into this it is a common issue. I took the truck to Ford and they stated it is a very common problem and that I should look into an aftermarket cooler since the OEM unit fails quite often to the frequency of 2 to 3 within 100,000 miles. This repair is approx. 1000 to 2000 depending on if the head gaskets have been subsequently damaged as well. In my case I had to replace the oil cooler along with EGR cooler an EGR valve and head gasket. My total bill was $2095.63 Ford stated it is a very common problem and has TSB,s on this but has no plans for a voluntary recall. They did state that they will only compensate if instructed to due to a recall. These issues if researched online are more common then people needing any other parts on this vehicle. …
Tl*- the contact took the Ford f-450 lcf to the local dealer to have recall repairs done on the engine and the structure of the vehicle. The dealer stated that it will take a month to repair the vehicle, and contact stated that they weren't provided with a loaner. The contact was concern because the vehicle was used for business. The vehicle had an odometer reading of 30,000. Updated 01-23-08. The consumer stated on October 2006, received a recall for cab entry step reinforcement. The consumer stated this is the only recall received and on February 15, 2007 the truck accelerated with no brakes. The consumer further stated looked under hood and fluids were all over, vehicle was towed to the dealer and the dealer performed various recalls. …
Tl contact owns a 2006 Ford f-350 superduty. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start when he attempted to turn it on. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop where the contact was told that the cause of the failure could not be determined. He took the vehicle to another repair shop where the contact was informed that the sensor could be the cause of failure. The vehicle also stalled while he was driving approximately 65 MPH. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who stated that a high pressure oil leak, a defective sensor, and defective o-rings were the cause; the vehicle was repaired. The failure occurred again. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that they would look into the problem. The current mileage was approximately 92,000. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Ford f-350 SD. The contact stated while the vehicle was idle with pressure applied to the brake pedal the it lunged forward with a sudden increase in the rpms. In addition, an unexpected acceleration occurred when the vehicle was in motion. The failure occurred sporadically. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on numerous occasions for the similar failures. The technician stated the failure was contributed to the diesel fuel consumed in the vehicle. They also recommended the manifold and erg valve be replaced. After the erg valve was replaced the failure continued to occur. The manufacturer was not made aware of the acceleration defect. There were no additional repairs performed on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
I have a 6.0 motor in my truck. Since last oct, 2010 I have had this truck in shop more times then what it is worth. I have had five fuel injectors replace, head gaskets, one head, rear end replace and now my turbo is going out on this motor. I also had the tow box replace. This truck has cost me more then what it is worth. I am very upset with this knowing that Ford was a good truck made in America., the total cost for all my problems ended up to be $18000.00 this is not right>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>the truck not worth this my mileage is only 184xxx and hours are 4861.9 I feel like I got suck in a lemon from the factory. Never receive any information on this truck if their were problems.. Where I live there are about 200 or more people with the same problems.
Tl contacts owns a 2006 Ford f-350 SD. The contact stated that the instrument panel lights failed to illuminate. The dealer stated that the computer caused the failure and they reset the computer. Approximately two days later, the vehicle lost pulling power, which caused a loss of gasoline mileage. The dealer stated that the PCM and turbo were defective and they made the replacement. However, the failure continued to occur. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of failure. As of July 27, 2007, the vehicle has not been repaired. The contact stated that the clutch fan would not shut off. The dealer stated that the clutch fan was defective and they made the replacement. The current mileage was 60,000 and failure mileage was 200.
Engine complaints in other F-350 SD years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Ford F-350 SD?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Ford F-350 SD, 17% of the model year's 127 complaints. The component named most often is engine › diesel (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Ford F-350 SD engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Ford F-350 SD, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Ford F-350 SD engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.